The 7 Most Beautiful Castles in Germany
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7. Löwenburg Castle
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Translated as “Lion’s Castle” is unique among all the castles in
Germany in that it was conceived as a romantic medieval castle ruin. The design of
Löwenburg Castle was based on a fantasy of Landgrave Wilhelm IX, but experts
regard it a very important historical monument, because it was the first neogothic structure in
the country.
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Unfortunately, Löwenburg Castle actually became a ruin after the damage sustained
during the Second World War, and had to undergo serious repairs. It is now one of the
biggest attractions of Wilhelmshöhe Hill Park, near the city of Kassel, and of
Germany’s most popular tourist attractions.
6. Lichtenstein Castle
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Like many of the castles and fortresses in Germany, Lichtenstein Castle was built on the
ruins of a ruined castle dating back to the 1200s. It sits on top of a cliff in the Swabian Alb
Mountain range, and just like Neuschwanstein Castle, it looks like it belongs in a fairytale.
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The Castle was built between 1840 and 1842, in neogothic style, as a safe-haven for the
dukes of Urach. The lower levels of the castle were carved into the rock upon which it was
constructed. Lichtenstein is still owned by the dukes of Urach, but it is open to visitors. Those
fascinated by knights will enjoy the weapons room.
5. Hohenschwangau Castle
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Hohenschwangau Castle was built in the 19th century, on the ruins of Schwanstein fortress,
near the village of Schwangau, southern Germany.
Crown Prince Maximilian discovered the ruins of the old fortress and, fascinated by its rich
history and by the beautiful surroundings, commissioned a summer and hunting residence.
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Fortunately, the beautiful neogothic-style structure wasn’t damaged during WWI and
WWII and is now one of the most visited castles in Germany. Around 300,000 people arrive
at Hohenschwangau every year.
4. Sanssouci Castle
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Designed as Frederick the Great’s summer palace, Sanssouci is considered by many
a German rival of Versailles.
The palace of Sanssouci was built on a small terraced hill, at Potsdam, to fulfill
Frederick’s need of a relaxing retreat. The name itself means
“careless”, “without cares” and the fact that it resembles a onestory villa proves it wasn’t meant to represent a seat of power.
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Sanssouci is famous for its extensive gardens, filled with beautifully designed temples and
follies and also for its original Frederician Rococo style, named after the great monarch,
who’s personal taste influenced the architecture and decorations.
Sanssouci has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites List and has become
one of Germany’s top tourist destinations.
3. Burg Eltz
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Isolated in the valley of the Mossel River, near Koblenz, Burg Eltz is an authentic medieval
castle, dating back to the mid twelfth century. Unlike other old German castles, it has never
seen serious battles, so it maintains its original appearance without the help of modern
architecture.
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Burg Eltz was built atop a 200 meter rock spire and is surrounded on three sides by the Eltz
River and a thick forest. Its picturesque setting and impressive architecture have made Burg
Eltz the most popular castle in Germany
Two thirds of Burg Eltz Castle are available to the public, while the other is the residence of
the 33rd generation of the Eltz family.
2. Hohenzollern Castle
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Built atop 855 meters-high Mount Hohenzollern, this incredible example of German
architecture stands as homage to the Hohenzollern dynasty, that ruled over Prussia since the
Middle Ages, until the end of World War I.
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During a trip to Italy, Frederick William IV of Prussia, was passing through southern Germany
and felt the need to learn more about the history of his family. He climbed to the top of Mount
Hohenzollern and decided it was the perfect spot to build a memorial for the powerful
dynasty.
Designed in Gothic Revival style, Hohenzollern Castle was built to resemble a medieval
knights’ castle, very much like Neuschwannstein, only without the fantasy elements.
1. Neuschwannstein Castle
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Also known as “the fairytale castle”, Neuschwannstein is considered the most
beautiful castle in Germany, and one of the most beautiful in the world.
Located in the state of Bavaria, this amazing architectural achievement was commissioned
by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, later known as Ludwig the Mad. In a letter to his muse, the
famous German composer, Richard Wagner, he said he wished to build a castle in the style
of the old German Knights, in the most beautiful place one could find.
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Open to visitors in 1886, after Ludwig’s death, Neuschwannstein Castle has become
one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations and the most photographed
building in the country. Over 50 million people have visited this fairytale castle ever since its
opening.